Hey, Good Game

Nildo Jr., a Brazilian software engineer and the creative mind behind the popular word-guessing game Contexto, shares his unique journey from a tech enthusiast to a full-time game creator. He discusses the challenges of simplifying game mechanics for player engagement and the role of user feedback in refining his games. Nildo emphasizes the importance of shareability for growth and explores the educational potential of games. His insights unveil the blend of human intuition and machine logic crucial for captivating gameplay and the social connections formed through gaming.

Garry Schyman, a celebrated composer known for his work on games like Bioshock and Dante’s Inferno, shares his fascinating journey through the world of game scoring. He discusses the art of blending creativity with project needs and the importance of delivering your best work. Garry also tackles the impact of AI on music, presenting it as both a tool and a challenge for artists. Additionally, his experiences at USC reveal the significance of mentorship, while his anecdotes from Abbey Road Studios add a touch of magic to his creative process.

Nate and Aaron reflect on their 18-month journey of bootstrapping their gaming venture. They discuss the importance of user feedback and how it shapes their game improvements. The duo explores their advertising strategies and the benefits of self-funding over venture capital. They also emphasize the diversity of their podcast guests while inviting listeners to suggest future participants. Plus, they dive into the challenges of tracking player statistics and their plans for an integrated gaming account system.

Keythe Farley, an experienced voice actor, dives into the fascinating world of video game voice acting. He reflects on his gaming journey, from classic pinball to iconic titles like Tomb Raider. Keythe discusses the challenges of performance capture and the emotional depth required for voice acting. The conversation also tackles the impact of AI on the industry, raising ethical concerns about voice cloning and fair compensation for actors. His insights underscore the balance between technology and artistry in bringing characters to life.

Josh Plotner, a multi-talented musician and producer, has carved out a niche by blending his Broadway experience with video game music composition. He talks about his fascinating journey from playing in The Lion King to embracing the unique challenges in video game soundtracks. Josh shares insights on the versatility of world flutes and how they influence his work. He also discusses the impact of technology on recording and emphasizes the importance of networking and specialization in today’s music industry.

Daniel Tait, a prolific indie game developer behind hits like Mathler and CrossWordle, shares his journey from childhood tinkering to industry success. He discusses using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance gameplay, emphasizes the value of rapid prototyping, and reveals his unique game launch strategies leveraging Hacker News and Reddit. Daniel highlights the creative balance between personal enjoyment and engaging the community, along with how domain names can inspire game concepts. His latest project, WordNerd.co, aims to unite word game enthusiasts.

Gabe Cornish, a seasoned game creator with over 40 published titles, shares his journey navigating the game industry. He emphasizes the thrill of making games regularly for fun rather than profit. Gabe advocates for embracing imperfection and exploring freeware development for sustainability. He discusses balancing personal projects with career challenges, highlighting the importance of community and innovative monetization strategies like Patreon. His insights inspire a carefree and passionate approach to game development.

Eric Albaest, co-founder and CEO of Chess.com, shares his journey from e-commerce to revolutionizing online chess. He reveals how the platform grew to 5-10 million daily players thanks to strategic community engagement and media integration. The huge surge in popularity, particularly after Netflix’s "The Queen's Gambit," is discussed alongside the psychological dynamics of chess. Albaest emphasizes the importance of balancing content and product while exploring how streaming has driven Chess.com's phenomenal growth.

Cassidy Williams, a developer and co-founder of Cosigned and Contenda, dives into her journey creating Jumblie, a word game inspired by coding challenges. She shares insights from her time in Spain and her unique experience as a college mascot. The conversation touches on her love for board games, the challenges of puzzle editing, and the importance of balancing creativity with technology. Cassidy discusses the influence of AI in gaming and recounts her innovative approach to game design, alongside humorous anecdotes from her internship days.

Peter Mohrbacher, creator of Angelarium and an acclaimed fantasy artist, shares his insights on the art world. He argues that success stems from 'creative selfishness'—making art for oneself rather than external validation. Mohrbacher discusses the challenges of balancing art with business, the impact of social media on creativity, and the nuances of crowdfunding. He also dives into the complexities of navigating scams in the creative landscape and explores his upcoming tabletop RPG project, highlighting the importance of authenticity in artistic endeavors.